MLB DFS Picks: Top Fantasy Baseball Value Plays for Thursday 4/2/26

Garion Thorne dives into tonight's two-game MLB DFS slate to find three value options for your DraftKings lineups.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:05pm

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With only two MLB games on the schedule for Thursday night, Garion Thorne highlights three value plays for DFS lineups on DraftKings, including Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, and Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez.

Why it matters

Early-season MLB schedules can be quirky, with weather and Opening Day festivities leading to small slates. Finding value plays on these limited nights is crucial for DFS success.

The details

Thorne recommends Diamondbacks SP Ryne Nelson ($6,000) despite his rough first outing, citing Nelson's increased velocity and swinging strike rate. For bats, Thorne likes Mets C Francisco Alvarez ($3,400) against lefty Robbie Ray, and Diamondbacks 3B Jose Fernandez ($2,500) after his impressive MLB debut.

  • The two MLB games on Thursday night get started past 9:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Ryne Nelson

A 28-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Francisco Alvarez

The starting catcher for the New York Mets.

Jose Fernandez

A 22-year-old third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks who made his MLB debut this week.

Robbie Ray

A veteran left-handed starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.

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What they’re saying

“Someone had to be the 'cheap' pitcher on this slate, so I'm not going to act as if Nelson's been slighted by this price tag. That said, this is a quality MLB starter being valued at $6,000. You need to take a chance on his upside, regardless of the circumstance.”

— Garion Thorne, Author

“Ray can be dominant when healthy, yet the veteran has also been susceptible to the home run ball throughout his career. To wit, the southpaw has surrendered at least 30 long balls in three of his past four 'full' seasons. Alvarez can take advantage of this flaw.”

— Garion Thorne, Author

The takeaway

With only two MLB games on the schedule, finding value plays is crucial for DFS success on this limited slate. Thorne highlights three potential bargains - Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, and Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez - who could provide a boost to DraftKings lineups.